Course Planning

Major in English with emphasis in Literary Studies - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical major plan. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year

Any 200-level English/Literary Studies (ENGL below 297) or English Film and Media Studies (ENGF) course

 Literary Analysis (ENGL 297) is possible for early deciders in the spring semester, after successful completion of a 200-level ENGL/ENGF in the fall semester.

Sophomore

Literary Analysis (ENGL 297), if not taken in first year

1-2 300-level ENGL courses

Junior

3-4 ENGL courses at the 300-400 level, possibly including courses that fulfill the following requirements:

  • Literary Theory
  • One 400-level ENGL seminar
Senior

4-5 ENGL courses at the 300-400-level, including the following:

  • One 400-level ENGL/ENGF seminar (if not already completed)
  • Senior Thesis Seminar ENGL 497 (Spring)

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year. The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.

  Fall Semester Spring Semester
First Year -
Sophomore

One 200-level ENGL/ENGF course

Literary Analysis (ENGL 297)

Possibly one 300-level ENGL course (after successful completion of a 200-level ENGL/ENGF course)

Junior

4 ENGL courses at the 300-400 level, possibly including courses that fulfill the following requirements:

  • Literary Theory
  • One 400-level ENGL seminar
Senior

4-5 ENGL courses at the 300-400 level, including the following:

  • One 400-level ENGL/ENGF seminar (if not already completed)
  • Senior Thesis Seminar ENGL 497 (Spring)

Planning Recommendations:

Three courses must focus on pre-1900 English-Literary Studies.

Travel abroad fits well with the junior year, but can occur at other times. Please consult with your English Department advisor.

Consider an internship in a field related to a potential career path in the junior or senior year.